Pres. Lee: A nation afraid of war cannot prevent it

President Lee Myung-bak said Monday in his last weekly radio and Internet address of the year, “A nation that is afraid of war can never prevent war.”

“Our military must defend our nation thoroughly and counterattack without hesitation when we are under attack,” he said. "This year, which marks the 60th anniversary of the Korean War`s outbreak, North Korea has launched as many as two attacks. Misjudging our people’s patience and wish for peace, Pyongyang committed the provocations without reservation.”

“Since our very lives and the fate of our nation are at stake, all of us should be united on national security. Regrettably, however, public opinion was divided following the sinking of the Cheonan,” he said, urging unity of the people.

“When our thoughts are divided and opinions differ, North Korea will seek to attack us,” President Lee added. “We learned valuable lessons through the North’s shelling of (South Korea’s) Yeonpyeong Island.”

yongari@donga.com